On Thursday Charleen Carroll, the sister of Brock Elliott, stood just feet away from where her brother's name was etched into a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall – Panel 20E, Line 114 – and read a letter that he wrote to her father just before his death.

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic . . . and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office that I am about to enter, so help me God."

A Saturday night DUI check point in Ripon was unusually busy for officers according to Police Sgt. Steve Meece – mostly with drivers with suspended licenses or others who were driving without a license in their possession.

The 2016 election may be over a year out, but five candidates have already tossed their hat in the ring to represent the 12th Assembly District, a seat presently occupied by Kristin Olsen (R–Riverbank).